Get ready to look deep inside Charles Barkley. The former Sixers superstar has been asked to undergo a televised colonoscopy as part of the "Stand Up to Cancer" special being aired Sept. 5 by NBC, CBS and ABC.

Barkley by phone yesterday said he's flying to Alabama today to prepare for the procedure on Friday.

Sir Charles, 45, says he was surprised that the show approached him, but was happy to participate in promoting awareness for colonoscopies, which screen for colorectal cancer, polyps and other conditions of the large intestine or colon for prostate and other cancers.

Barkley said that when he told his friend Fred Lavner, of NB2 Apparel, about being asked to undergo the procedure on television, Lavner replied they were "probably just looking for the celebrity with the biggest ass."

Barkley may also soon be seen on the Golf Channel. The Hollywood Reporter just announced a project in progress that would feature golf coach Hank Haney helping Barkley improve his swing.

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